Women's History Month: Bessie Coleman

Photograph courtesy Arizona Historical Society, Tucson

March is Women's History Month, the perfect time to share stories of amazing women who have made a positive impact!  When you check into my Blog every Saturday this month, you will read about women you may not have known about, but you'll be glad you discovered them. 

Today's we are featuring: Bessie Coleman - Aviator and Activist

Born in 1892 in Atlanta, Texas, Bessie was the 10th of 13 children to parents, George Coleman, an African-American (who was also believed to have Cherokee or Choctaw grandparents) and African-American mother, Susan Coleman. Even as a young child, Bessie developed an interest in flying. She dreamt of becoming a pilot. Unfortunately, at the time, neither African-Americans, Native Americans or women could enroll in flight school in the United States. However, Bessie didn't let that stop her dream. In 1920, she moved to France to attend flight school. She successfully earned her flying license in 1921. Bessie became the first Black woman to earn an international pilot's license. When she returned to the United States, her next dream was to establish a flight school, that would welcome everyone. But she needed money to put her plans in place. In order to raise money, Bessie began flying in air shows all around the country. Bessie would do unique and thrilling stunts. People started calling her "Brave Bessie" and the "Nervy Lady". With the money she was paid, she continued to prepare for her flight school, even buying 3 airplanes; inching closer to her goal. But sadly on April 30, 1926 tragedy struck. Bessie was practicing her routine before an air show in Jacksonville, Florida. Bessie was a passenger, her mechanic, William Willis was piloting the plane. Witnesses say the plane went into a nosedive. Bessie, not wearing a seatbelt, fell to her death. William was killed when the plane crashed to the ground. Despite her death being more than 100 years ago, Bessie Coleman still inspires women and girls today. Her image is part of the Women Making History quarter series and her face is on the U.S. postage stamp. To read more about Bessie Coleman, go to your local library.

Black History IS American History: Isaac Burns Murphy

Photograph courtesy Library of Congress

Isaac Burns Murphy was considered "the greatest jockey in the history of the sport".  Born into slavery in 1856  in Clark County, Kentucky, Isaac began his racing career at the tender age of 14. In 1884 he won his first Kentucky Derby on a horse that was owned by a Black man. Isaac became the first jockey to ride winning mounts in the Derby three times and the first to win the prestigious race for two consecutive years. His talent would eventually make him one of the highest paid athletes and one of the most famous Black men in America, at that time. Isaac Burns Murphy had a career win - loss record of an incredible 628 out of 1412 starts. He passed away in 1896.

Black History IS American History : Patricia Roberts Harris

Photograph courtesy Bethune Museum

Patricia Roberts Harris was an Attorney, an Ambassador and a Cabinet Member. Patricia completed her undergraduate studies summa cum laude at Howard University, an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in Washington, D.C. After graduating with honors from Washington University's law school in 1960, she was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and the District of Columbia bar.  She eventually was granted tenure as a professor of law at Howard University in 1963. Patricia was later named dean of the university's School of Law in 1969, becoming the first Black woman to head a law school in the United States. This would be one of many First for her. President Lyndon Johnson appointed Patricia Ambassador to Luxembourg; the first Black woman to receive an ambassadorship. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter appointed her to the post of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; the first Black woman to hold a Cabinet-level position. Patricia Roberts Harris went on to become Secretary of Health and Human Services in 1979.

Black History IS American History: Jesse Owens

Photograph: Courtesy Washington, D.C. Public Library

Although February is designated as Black History Month, I don't think telling the stories of the people who changed and continue to impact our Nation should be limited to only one month out of the year! Black History IS American History and should be celebrated Everyday! Although my Blog is usually shared once a month, during February I will present the story of an outstanding Black American every week. This week I'm sharing the life of Jesse Owens, a history making athlete and activist.

Jesse Owens is remembered as one of the world's greatest track and field athletes. He competed as a low hurdler, a broad jumper and a sprinter. Jesse was born in Danville, Alabama and would later attend The Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio. One of the most memorable moments in his athletic career happened at the 1936 Olympics in Munich, Germany. This was a time when Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler was in power. Prior to the Olympic games, Hitler had bragged to the world that no Black athlete would beat any of his Aryan athletes. However not only did Jesse Owens beat the Germans, but he won four gold medals as an angry Hitler watched. At that time, Jesse was the most successful athlete of the games and the first American to win four track and field gold medals at a single Olympics. And because of his decisive win, embarrassing and dispelling Hitler's racist beliefs, Hitler refused to present Jesse with his medals. 

Although Jesse had proven himself as an athlete and had represented America with honor and respect, when he returned to the United States he experienced some of the same racial prejudice that occurred in Nazi Germany. For many years, that racial prejudice made it very difficult for him to make a living. It wasn't until 1976, when Jesse was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom that his achievements were fully realized. Jesse Owens died in 1980 at the age of 66.

A Rewarding New Year

Welcome to 2025! I can hardly believe it! Only God knows what will happen this year, but it doesn't mean you stop planning for your life.

Making a few little changes can make a BIG difference.

Here are some suggestions that can turn 2025 into a Rewarding New Year!

Routines - Developing routines can help your family stay on track. According to the National PTA (Parent Teacher Association) having a shared family calendar where you identify schedules, appointments or meetings can help everyone know what they are supposed to be doing.

Reach out - Everyone feels overwhelmed sometimes. When life seems to be out of control, ask for help. Be honest with your emotions. Speak with your partner, a parent, counselor or pastor or a trusted friend. If you feel you may harm yourself or others, please call The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for help. It's available 24/7.

Retreat - We hear it all they time, "Take Time for Self-Care". How many of us really do it? There is nothing wrong with taking time for yourself. It may be going on a solo weekend trip to relax; enjoying dinner with your Girlfriends to laugh. Even taking a bubble bath, with music and your favorite beverage can be soothing.  Don't forget to lock the door so the family won't interrupt you. Ask your partner to watch the kids for a couple of hours so you can unwind.

Discover what will make 2025 the very best year for you!

Find Your Melody

During this special season, many people are playing the music of the holiday.  But being surrounded by music isn't new for me, because, music has always been an important part of my life. Growing up, if you walked past our house, you would always hear records playing on the stereo or the latest hits coming from the radio. My parents would take me to concerts, I sang in choirs and even learned to play the flute. And those experiences formed my diverse taste for various types of music today. From Country to Rock & Roll. I love it all!

During this Christmas season hearing Nat King Cole singing "The Christmas Song" on my car radio brings back fond memories from my childhood.  And during my their childhood, I've played various types of music for my daughters.  They have heard the sounds of Mozart and danced to the beat of MJ.  And over the years, I've learned sharing music with our children isn't just a great tradition, but it also has big benefits.  A study from St. John's University and Iona College states that music helps with memory development and retrieval as early as three months of age. That means, if you start playing music when your child is an infant, it could have a positive effect on their motor skills and creative thinking in the future! What type of music do you like? There is something for everyone to enjoy. Find your melody and add music to your family's life year-round.

Pillars of Productivity

Diva: A woman focused on her divine assignment, operating strategically and slaying her goals. This is a definition shared at the Momathon Conference, I recently attended in Atlanta, Georgia.  The event was a great opportunity to connect with Moms from around the country. Workshops focused on the importance of self-care, mental and physical health and how to start a business. There were Moms from various professions, including: lawyers, ministers, doctors and stay at home Moms. Although they may have come from different cities and different backgrounds, the conference coordinators hoped all would leave as members of the Momathon tribe who had an aversion to settling for less! 

The Momathon Conference was founded by Christina Garrett, an active wife, business owner and Mom of five. This international speaker and workshop presenter has been featured on various media platforms, including Essence, the Washington Post and Forbes. This was the 9th year for the faith-based conference and Christina hoped all of the Moms left encouraged and ready to go back home and share their divine purpose. "The Momathon Conference is all about you...When ladies say YES and come into this space, they are saying yes to more than just a weekend off or some workshop time, but instead saying yes to what's possible for them in the future". Women who attend leave empowered by the amazing speakers, conversations and the positive energy exhibited by Christina and her tribe of supporters and volunteers. "We have you surrounded, we want you to know you're supported and everything you want to accomplish is possible", she says

During Christina's workshop, she presented the Pillars of Productivity. These ideas could serve Moms well as we continue to problem solve with our family:

1. Create a Family Vision - The corner stone for all of your plans

2. Communicate Your Needs - Tell your loved ones what you need

3. Delegate Unnecessary Tasks - Ask for help

4. Elevate Your Movement - Where you are going will be Bigger

I left the conference excited to share ideas with Moms who are my family members, friends and co-workers. I was also blessed to meet new friends at the conference who are now members of my Tribe! 

For more information on the Momathon Conference go to: TheMomathonMovement.com